Duncan Jones To Direct World Of Warcraft Film

Film-maker Duncan Jones - the man behind Source Code and Moon - has been announced as director of the upcoming World of Warcraft movie.

The big screen version of the massively popular computer game is expected to have a budget upwards of \$100m (£63m), according to industry sources.

Spider-Man director Sam Raimi was previously announced as director of the World of Warcraft film in 2009, but his involvement with the project eventually ended.

Taking on the expectations of legions of loyal gaming fans is set to be the toughest project so far for Jones, whose father is David Bowie.

The 41-year-old director acknowledged the challenge on Twitter, posting: "So the gauntlet was thrown down ages ago: Can you make a proper movie of a video game. I've always said its possible. Got to do it now! ;)"

The role-playing fantasy game - which features elves, orcs and trolls - had a world record 10 million subscribers by the end of 2012.

Production on the film will start this year with an expected release date around 2015.

Jones, who used to be named Zowie Bowie, was also reported to have also been on the shortlist to direct the new Superman reboot Man of Steel, which is due for release this year.

However, he withdrew because of the size of the project.

Despite a lack of enthusiasm from critics, recent computer game adaptations have done well at the box office.

Films such as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton, made \$335m (£210m) worldwide from a budget of \$200m (£125m).

Another popular game making its way to the big screen is Assassin's Creed.

Prometheus star Michael Fassbender is lined up to play the lead role, with a release date pencilled in for 2014.